USPSA E-newsletter for April 2011

USPSA Members Survey Results

Last month, we sent out a survey to all USPSA members - athletes, coaches, and referees - to get your opinions on a variety of issues the USPSA is addressing. We received about 150 responses to the 10-minute questionnaire.

About 60% of respondents are comfortable with foreign players on our teams, 15% are neutral, and 25% feel negatively about it. Only 18% think that no international players should be allowed on teams, 47% feel there should be a limit, and 35% don't think there should be a limit. A large majority of respondents would support an international exchange program, but only a few would be willing to host a player or travel themselves.

Member's opinions on the new conference system were equally split. About 50% like the system, 27% are neutral, and 23% dislike the system. The results were similar regarding a classification system. About 65% do not think we should limit participants with a classification system, 11% are neutral, and 24% feel we should limit participation.

Finally, regarding Team Representatives, fewer than 10% of respondents feel their Team Rep does not represent them well or communicate well, and 33% say their team does not decide how to vote as a group. While it is certainly up to each team to decide how to vote, we encourage team members to take this time leading up to the Annual General Meeting to open communication with their Team Representative and discuss the ballot when it is released in a few weeks.

The USPSA Executive Board will read all of the comments and work to address any viable concerns you may have. After the conclusion of all Conference Cup tournaments, we will be sending out another, similar survey to our members. Thank you for your participation!

Sincerely,
USPSA Executive Board  

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Abilities Expo - Los Angeles Recap

by Bill Balles, Santa Barbara Rollin' Gauchos

Abilities Expo - LA was a great success, thanks to Bill Balles from the Santa Barbara Rollin' Gauchos and his crew of volunteers! The Expo got off to a great start with a TV spot from 'Good Day LA' from Fox Channel highlighting Power Soccer. The event proceeded into a weekend filled with thousands of interested and fascinated attendees. On Saturday, the teams could hardly keep up with the flow of traffic as the place was just packed!

The Santa Barbara Rollin' Gauchos, the Glendale Wild Wheelers and Glendale Rough Riders presented Power Soccer in the convention center on a large indoor court through varied lessons which included movement of chair, how to kick and move the ball and a variety of drills, followed by a scrimmage. Participants from the audience even got a chance to actually participate and play.

The event was a smash hit with many leads to follow up with and many phone calls/emails to write! Thank you to all teams involved and in particular Anna and Abbey Reutzel! Let Power Soccer grow in Southern California! 

For more information on future expos, please go to www.abilitiesexpo.com.

 

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Power Soccer of Indy Issues a Challenge

It is just a mere six months until Team USA takes the court in an effort to defend our title as World Champions. Power Soccer of Indy, as we are sure many of you are, is proud of these athletes and the dedication they have demonstrated over the past 16 months.

In an effort to support these athletes, the Power Soccer of Indy Executive Board has agreed that we should step up and take an active role in supporting our athletes. The cost of traveling over the past 16 months to training camps across the US and the final costs of traveling to Paris are substantial. Power Soccer of Indy would like to assist by paying the registration fees for each Power Soccer of Indy athlete, $1096.00 each.

Many teams have representatives on Team USA. We know you are proud of your athlete as well. So we challenge you this....if you have a Team USA Athlete representing your home team or organization we would like to challenge you to do the same. Assist your local athlete by helping to support them financially, through registration or whatever means you can. Any support is appreciated and needed.

Together with teams and local organizations behind our athletes, and with the hard work of the coaches, athletes and staff, we will triumph, no doubt!

Power Soccer of Indy
Executive Board

 

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TEAM USA PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

"JC, No Goals" in 2011

J.C. Russo is a returning athlete from the victorious US National Power Soccer Team that won the 2007 World Cup in Japan. JC played the goalie position throughout the competition and some of the most famous words that were spread throughout the team's ears were, "JC, no goals!" JC was a major asset to the team's defense only allowing two goals for the entire tournament.

JC has been playing power soccer competitively for eight years. He continues his power soccer career this year by joining the Circle City Rollers. When asked what power soccer means to him, he states without hesitation: "It gives me the opportunity to express myself in a way I would otherwise not know how. Without power soccer, I would never have learned how to play a team sport or experience what true competition is. It has engulfed my life and I cannot imagine my life without it."

One of JC's goals is to: "Defend our World Cup title in Paris and be the first US team to win an international title in two consecutive competitions. That is my dream." JC is working on his Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics Technology, is planning to graduate from Purdue University and pursue a job in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.

For fun, JC enjoys spending time with his friends and girlfriend, playing video games, being outdoors, and playing the game he loves, Power Soccer. 

 

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TEAM USA NEWS

 

Team USA is working hard and preparing as the 2011 Power Soccer World Cup is just around the corner! Their next training camp will be May 27-29th at the James Kenney Recreation Center in Berkeley, California. There will be an open exhibition on May 29th from 1-5pm. Please come and support our Team USA athletes as they train to be world champions again!

James Kenney Recreation Center
1720 N. 8th St.
Berkeley, CA 94710  

For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.powersoccerteamusa.org.

 

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Tournament Recaps from Around the Country

There has been some great Power Soccer being played around the country over the past several weeks! Click on the links below to get caught up on all the action!

Southeast Power Soccer League Weekend Recap
by Tony Jackson, ASU Sun Devils

Although Arizona is not located in the Southeast, the SEPSL was gracious enough to invite us to Florida for a thrilling weekend of Power Soccer. We were all excited for the trip and couldn't wait for the competition. We all arrived at the gym Saturday morning and prepared for what would be a marathon day. (click here to read more) 

 

USPSA Teams Shoot it Out in Southern California
by Chris Faria, San Jose Steamrollers

On April 9-10, six power soccer teams from California and Arizona participated in the third annual Santa Barbara Power Soccer Tournament. The competition was held at Carpinteria Middle School, in Carpinteria, California. There was also a mixed game to allow players from various teams to play together with some potential new athletes from San Luis Obispo. (click here to read more)

 

Charger Challenge Recap
by Zak Schmoll, Vermont Chargers

As I was the first one to enter the gym at the Essex Alliance Church Community Center, it seemed almost eerily quiet. However, I knew in a short period of time the 2011 Charger Challenge would kick off and the silence would be filled. (click here to read more)

 

The INferno Rages On
by Emily Munson, RHI INferno

Charlie Sheen doesn't have a monopoly on winning; power soccer athletes did some of winning of their own this weekend at the second annual Benton Central League Day, hosted by RHI Indy Cruisers. Participating teams included GLASA Chicago Fire and the Cruisers of the Presidents' Conference; the Henry County Hot Shots, Turnstone Furious Flyers, and RHI INferno of the Founders' Conference; and Indy Storm, a non-conference team. (click here to read more)

 

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COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS FOR THE 2010- 2011 SEASON

Barbara Peacock	Athletes Advisory Committee
Mark Pratt	Legislative and Bylaws Committee
Joe Carrow	Equipment Specification Committee
Jonathan Newman	Tournament Selection Committee
Ericka Sutton	Elections Committee
Case Calvert	Marketing Committee
Don Faria	Rules Committee
Jenny Mitchell	IT Committee

 

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USPSA on YouTube

In a concerted effort to bring relevant video to people searching out information on the internet about power soccer and the USPSA, we are introducing a You-Tube page specific to the USPSA.

If you have power soccer videos (games, clinics, etc.) that you have taken at a recent USPSA event, or you are interested in video taping upcoming events and helping with this project, please contact Tony Jackson at: azpowersoccer [at] gmail [dot] com